A passerby saw the fire and reported it at the fire station, located a block away. Crews were on the scene in less than a minute, Williams said, but the front of the home was already fully engulfed in flames.

With a hydrant across the street, Williams said crews had a good water supply to begin knocking down the flames.

Firefighters, while attempting to gain entry for search, he said, discovered a refrigerator was blocking the back door and had to be moved.

Once inside, fire crews found the victim in the middle of the home, the chief said.

While King likely suffered smoke inhalation, Williams said it would be up to the state medical examiner to determine cause and manner of death.

Cause of the blaze is undetermined, Williams said, and is under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office.

Williams said firefighters found water was running in a sink, so they’re not sure if King possibly tried to extinguish the blaze himself.

Eight firefighters responded to the fire at the single-story home, which is considered a total loss.

Williams, who said the home didn’t have any type of smoke detector, said residents who need a smoke alarm can request one, free of charge, from the fire department.

“If you don’t have a smoke detector, make a phone call — don’t put it off,” Williams said.